麻豆国产AV

Year 12 Farewells

This coming fortnight will witness a number of rites of passage for our Year 12 Class of 2024 as they conclude their final school days as Aquinas students. For most, it is the culmination of 6 years at Aquinas and 13 years of schooling. While our VCE students will still have many weeks of preparing for and sitting their final VCE exams, the Aquinas Year 12 Graduation ceremony takes place on Monday 21 October. Their Graduation Mass the next morning will be their final day together as a cohort. In the final week of Term 3, I urged our Class of 2024 to 鈥榝inish well鈥�: to be remembered for the positive impact they have made on so many staff, peers, other students and members of our Aquinas community across the last 6 years. I thank our Year 12s for the gift of welcome they have shown me across this year, truly embodying our Spirit of Aquinas values.

As our Year 12s face the choices of where to head in 2025, we pray that they delve into their Year 12 value Spirituality and the power of prayerful discernment, As Pope Francis exhorts:

Discernment 鈥�involves striving untrammelled for all that is great, better and more beautiful, while at the same time being concerned for the little things, for each day鈥檚 responsibilities and commitments. 鈥�We should always remember that discernment is a grace鈥�for it seeks a glimpse of that unique and mysterious plan that God has for each of us, which takes shape amid so many varied situations and limitations. 鈥�We must remember that prayerful discernment must be born of a readiness to listen: to the Lord and to others, and to reality itself, which always challenges us in new ways.

Wellbeing PL Day

On Monday 7 October, the whole staff joined in professional learning together for our first day of Term 4. The focus of the day was Wellbeing, with the first two sessions focussed on student wellbeing, and the final on staff wellbeing. The first session launched Power to Kids, a MacKillop Institute initiative that provides a suite of evidence-informed programs that promote school and organisational wellbeing and strengthen child safety practices. The second session built on Restorative Practices, a key plank of our positive behaviours framework. The final session on staff wellbeing focussed on connection as a community, including trivia and paper plane competition (pictured above!). I am pleased to report that my table finished a gallant second on the afternoon, both in the trivia and the paper plane section (no, I can鈥檛 take credit for the latter).

David Broadbent
Principal

麻豆国产AV is thrilled to share with you the launch video for our masterplan.

Today鈥檚 article is some information about testing that we are required to complete for students in Years 7 to 10. The Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools are collating results from the Progressive Achievement Tests for Reading and Mathematics to establish a profile of its schools. This is a test which Aquinas uses prior to entry at the College, ie the Year 6 students come in to complete, and we run it every year.

The dates for the tests are

These tests provide rich data about the progress of students in reading and mathematics that we can use to support all of our Aquinas students.

Michael Box

Deputy Principal

Adult Content in the Media and Its Impact on Young People
Over recent months, government authorities across the country have expressed plans to mandate adjustments for the use of social media amongst young people. The prevalence of adult content in the media, particularly in social media and video games has raised growing concerns about its impact on young people because of the delays in development during this stage of a person鈥檚 life. Adult content includes material that is violent, sexual, explicit, or otherwise intended for mature audiences. As teenagers and children increasingly access a wide range of media, the potential effects on their development and behaviour are important areas to consider when allowing your child to access forms of media.

Research has shown that exposure to sexual content in the media can influence young people鈥檚 attitudes toward sex and relationships. It can lead to unrealistic expectations and may contribute to risky behaviours such as early sexual activity, unsafe practices, coercive behaviours and unwarranted pressures. Equally, continuous exposure to violent content can desensitise young people to real-life violence and increase aggressive thoughts and actions. Video games, movies, and TV shows with violent themes are particularly concerning in this regard.

Mental health experts conclude that social media use can expose many young people to idealised body images, leading to feelings of inadequacy or poor self-esteem. This can contribute to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube often show a distorted reality, promoting unattainable lifestyles and materialism. Young users may feel pressure to conform to these unrealistic standards, negatively affecting their self-worth. Unfortunately, social media frequently portrays alcohol, drug use, and sexual relationships as normal and acceptable behaviours for teenagers. Young viewers may adopt these attitudes and engage in these acts without fully understanding the consequences. Studies have shown that young people may imitate what they see in movies or TV shows, such as smoking, drinking, or reckless driving, especially when those behaviours are glamorised and eventually, normalised.

Each generation we have seen flourish in the last 100 years has had its own set of challenges, and irrespective of the involvement that we all have had in risk taking behaviours, this generation has access to information like never before. The number of risk taking behaviour examples for students are higher in number, and far more normalised than ever before.

Parents play a critical role in monitoring what their children consume in the media. Setting appropriate boundaries, using parental controls, and discussing the content that young people are exposed to can help mitigate negative impacts. The College aims to teach our young people to critically analyse media and understand its purpose, so that they can use insightful judgement to make informed decisions. Media literacy education encourages youth to question what they see, interpret the underlying messages, and resist peer pressure or the influence of media trends. It is important that these concepts are supported in the house.

As we head toward mandated changes to social media use in Australia, it is important to remember that many of the young people will try to find ways to access social media. The key is that they develop the literacy skills to navigate through what is a world full of opportunities but which threatens the person because of the societal expectations we set for our young people.

Nap Rodezno

Deputy Principal

Spiritually Speaking - St John XIII Pope

Today is the feast day of one of my favourite popes, now saint, John XXIII. In my previous school, I was a member of the John XXIII house and it is where I learnt so much about the person who I grew to admire. He was a modest and humble man, who saw a need and acted upon it. 鈥淚 want to open the windows of the Church so that we can see out and the people can see in.鈥�

Pope John XXIII was a surprising choice by the conclave to be pope in 1958. He was known to be not overly well in health and was seen by many to be a caretaker pope. However, he did so much more through the instigation of the second Vatican Council. Through this council, in which he invited leaders of other denominations to observe the process, he helped develop a more accessible church. Mass was now spoken in the vernacular of the people, lay people could participate more in the church are just two of the many, many changes made in the Church.

Aside from the Vatican Council, he was also known for saving many Jewish people from the Nazi by providing them transit papers to escape Europe and he played a pivotal role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in talking to both US and Russian leaders preventing war. John XXIII鈥檚 belief in human rights and peace was best expressed in his 1963 encyclical, Pacem in Terris - Peace on Earth. 

So today I finish with a prayer written by St John XXIII:

Lord Jesus Christ,
Who are called the Prince of

Peace,
Who are yourself our peace and reconciliation,
Who so often said, 鈥淧eace to you,鈥� grant us peace.
Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice, and brotherly love.
Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace.
Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace.
May all peoples of the earth becomes as brothers and sisters.
May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all.
Amen.

鈥� by St. John XXIII

Tania Grace

Assistant Principal Mission

Senior Years Report

Welcome back, and welcome to Term 4, a short and dynamic term of learning. In the senior years, students will finalise their coursework and prepare for examinations, with a peppering of various year levels and whole school celebrations.

The Aquinas Parent and Friends Network will host the first Year 10 Gala Ball tomorrow night, at Cathie's Lane Receptions, with the second evening on Saturday, October 19. This special event allows students to participate in a unique family occasion, where they鈥檒l dress in black or white, perform progressive dances, and enjoy a formal dinner with parents and invited staff.

Since mid-August, Year 10 students have been rehearsing weekly to perfect the dances they will perform. We鈥檙e excited to see their hard work come to life and to share this memorable evening with families.

The Year 10 Gala Ball would not be possible without the support of the Parents and Friends Network, dedicated staff, and the involvement of our parents. Special thanks to Edit Molnar, representing the Parents and Friends Network, Liz Grierson for administrative support, and Catherine Kearney, Scott Watkins, and all Year 10 Mentors for their supervision during Sunday rehearsals.

Next week, Year 12 students will officially conclude their formal classes. Several whole school and year level events are planned for Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, to honour their time at the College. We look forward to all Year 12 families joining us at the Graduation Evening to be held on the Monday.

For more information, Year 12 families, may refer to the email from the Principal鈥檚 Office, sent on Monday, September 30, titled Year 12 End of Year Events & Expectations. To help with our Graduation Evening planning, we kindly remind families to register their attendance via the Trybooking link provided in the email.

Rachel Crawley

Head Senior Years

Middle Years Report

Welcome back to Term 4. Welcome back me, that is!

I would like to thank the Staff that filled in for me whilst I was extremely fortunate enough to take term 3 off and do some travel. Sam Storey did a fantastic job in the role of Head of Middle Years and I am so grateful to him for the effort, dedication, vision, attention to detail, wisdom and expertise he showed in the role. So too, Stephanie Lim-Duke who did an amazing job as MacKillop Team Leader for Years 7 and 8.

In between the odd Mountain climb and Pizza that was so expensive I was too scared to eat it, I was fortunate to visit several schools and liaise with different educators, parents, and students in different countries, socioeconomic backgrounds and educational setups. (Surely that last sentence will allow me to write all my term 3 travels off on tax?)

My point in raising my experiences in schools abroad, apart from the tax break evidence, is that whilst talking to teachers, students, senior leaders, parents and viewing different learning facilities, I was reminded how fortunate we are here at Aquinas. Not to denigrate the places I went, there is always much to learn from other places, or to be blinded or na茂ve to think there is not lots of work to be done each day in our school. Rather to be reminded of the great young people we have in our care, the extremely hard-working teachers and visionary leaders I get to collaborate with each day and the huge network of supportive parents who assist us in working towards our shared goals. Not to mention our very well-priced Canteen and Caf茅 prices!

PS If you are ever in New York City, I recommend 鈥楢ce鈥檚 Pizza.鈥� This Pepperoni delicacy below set us back $42USD ($63AUD) Thank goodness it had those green peppers on the side that made it all worthwhile!

Phil Box
Head Middle Years

Fairtrade Fair Week Report

At the end of Term 3, we celebrated our annual Fairtrade Fair, which this year spanned an entire week, featuring a variety of stalls and activities each lunchtime. From handmade crafts and delicious treats to Fairtrade goods and second-hand clothing, there was something for everyone

A very big thank you to everyone who contributed鈥攚hether by creating items, running a stall, buying a treat, or spreading the word. Through our collective efforts, we raised an impressive $2,688! The proceeds will be donated to CAPSA (the Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum), supporting their ongoing mission to advocate for the fair and humane treatment of people seeking asylum in Australia.

This year鈥檚 Fairtrade Fair not only raised vital funds but also helped strengthen our sense of community and our shared responsibility to care for others, especially the most vulnerable. Events like these remind us that through simple actions, we can create meaningful change. As we are reminded in Matthew 25:35, 鈥淔or I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.鈥�

As we look ahead to another term, we anticipate more opportunities to engage in good works and support those in need. Stay tuned for upcoming events where you can contribute and make a difference!

Martha Mugamu
Justice & Outreach Coordinator

Why do we always think that Term 4 is going to be quieter in the Music Department?

Junior Music Showcase tickets now available!                                          

The Junior Music Showcase will be held on Monday 28 October, in the Mahon Theatre. All families and friends are invited to attend, to see our junior and intermediate ensembles perform. Tickets are free but must  be reserved through Trybooking . 

2025 Instrument Lesson Enrolments 
We are excited to begin planning for 2025 in the Music Department, and all families will have received a letter and link to music lesson . If you are unsure and would like more information, please reach out to the music department at music@aquinas.vic.edu.au. The 2025 Music Handbook can be found . 

Upcoming performances
Our instrumental teachers will be holding their Instrumental Soirees in Term 4. See the College Calendar for more details, and permissions will be sent via PAM closer to each date. 
We love supporting our local Primary Schools, and various student groups will be performing at the Holy Spirit Community School Fete on 12 October, Our Lady's Ringwood Fete on 26 October, and St John's Primary Fete on 16 November. 
You will also see our students performing at the Year 12 Graduation, and the final Year 12 Assembly. 

2025 USA Music Tour
Planning is continuing apace for the 2025 USA Music Tour, with an information session held on Wednesday night for participating students and families. Tour ensemble rehearsals start this Thursday 

Ensemble Auditions
Some ensembles and choirs are starting auditions for 2025 groups. Information has been sent to students. 

Chookas to our Year 12s
Chookas, toi toi toi and break a leg to our Year 12 Music Performance and Repertoire students, whose music exams start from next week. We know you'll be great!

Alison Bellew and Emily McKenzie
Music Program Coordinators

We have three events coming up on Wednesday 27 November.

5.30pm Family Mass - Mary MacKillop Chapel followed by 6.30pm BBQ - Forum

7.30pm Year 12 Parent Information Night

All welcome to the Mass and BBQ. For families of Year 12 2025 students it is also a great opportunity to be able to celebrate, eat and still get to the meeting in time.

Please pencil in the date and times on your calendar.

For catering purposes, please RSVP for mass and BBQ We will ask students to sign in at the events for commendations.

Covering more than 70% of Earth鈥檚 surface, our global ocean has a very high heat capacity. It has absorbed 90% of the warming that has occurred in recent decades due to increasing greenhouse gases, and the top few meters of the ocean store as much heat as Earth's entire atmosphere. The year 2023 was the ocean鈥檚 warmest recorded year (National Centres for Environmental Information).

Ocean Warming Has Doubled in Past 20 Years: EU Copernicus Report

The latest Ocean State Report (OSR 8) from the EU Copernicus program shows alarming trends in ocean conditions. The annual Copernicus Ocean State Report (OSR) launched in 2015 is the key aspect of its ocean reporting framework. The OSR reports on the state, variability, and ongoing changes in the marine environment of the global ocean over the past decades up to close to real time.

Since 2005, ocean warming has nearly doubled, with a rate of 1.05 watts per square meter, compared to 0.58 watts since 1960. The northern hemisphere鈥檚 ocean surfaces are warming faster than average, leading to rising sea levels, more frequent marine heat waves, and damage to ecosystems. While 35% of southern hemisphere ocean surfaces are warming faster than average. In the Arctic, sea ice has decreased by 4% per decade since 1979, and the Antarctic hit a record low with 1.9 million square kilometres of sea ice lost in 2023. This Antarctic Sea ice loss represents an area about three times larger than France.

About ninety percent of global warming is occurring in the ocean. Warmer oceans also contribute to more intense tropical storms, adding to coastal erosion and flooding.

What can we do to help?

• Reduce Carbon Emissions: Lowering greenhouse gas emissions by using renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, can help slow down global warming and reduce ocean temperature rise.
• Protect Marine Ecosystems: Establishing and expanding marine protected areas helps safeguard critical habitats like coral reefs and mangroves, which act as buffers against warming and absorb carbon dioxide.
• Support Sustainable Fishing: Encouraging sustainable fishing practices reduces overfishing, which can harm marine biodiversity and weaken the ocean's ability to cope with warming.
• Reduce Plastic Pollution: Reducing plastic use and improving waste management prevents plastic from harming marine life and ecosystems, helping maintain ocean health.
• Conserve Water and Energy: Simple actions like conserving water and reducing energy consumption at home can lower carbon footprints, ultimately benefiting the oceans by reducing the impact of climate change.
• Learn more about ocean warming. Click here to find out more;

Karyn Myers

Sustainability Coordinator

Throughout Terms 2 and 3, Year 10 students had the opportunity to give back to the community by volunteering at the Great Ryrie Primary School Homework Support Group. This program is for Great Ryrie students who have been in Australia for less than five years and who are provided some extra opportunities to develop their literacy and numeracy skills.

This initiative involved the entire year level, with participation from every Year 10 Mentor Group. Some students were nervous at first, especially about having to recall their primary school math skills, but they quickly settled into the new environment and role. The students gained confidence in helping the children with reading, math, spelling, and writing, and quickly formed a wonderful rapport with them. Involvement in this program aimed to support our students in developing their intercultural competencies鈥攖hat is, demonstrating the qualities of a global citizen.

鈥淭he Great Ryrie program was an amazing experience, we were able to help kids who have come to Australia in the past few years with their homework but it was also a chance to get to know our younger neighbours across the road. The kids from Great Ryrie were very nice and listened to our help, they also loved to get to know us as people. Personally, this inspired me in how smart these kids are, they were quite determined to get their work done and truly understand the content that was being taught to them. Overall, this experience was a fun and enjoyable opportunity.鈥滶frosyni Kyriakos

Thank you to the students involved and well done on your courage to try something new and challenging this year. Another big thank you to the Year 10 Mentor Teachers for their time in supervising the students. Without you we would not be able to support this valuable program.

We look forward to continuing our involvement in the Great Ryrie Homework Support Group in 2025 with the incoming Year 10 students.

Natalie Zuccon

Intercultural Learning Coordinator

A very welcome visit from Winnie, a certified therapy dog, provided Year 12 Psychology students with a unique and practical experience, complementing their recent studies on mental health. Following an in-depth exploration of topics such as stress, anxiety, phobias, and coping strategies, the classes were introduced to the concept of animal-assisted therapy by YFC School Counsellor (and Winnie鈥檚 mum) Kate.

Winnie鈥檚 friendly nature offered students a tangible example of how therapy animals can alleviate stress and improve emotional well-being.

A big thank you to Kate for bringing Winnie in to visit our classes. It was a wonderful way to celebrate finishing their last Psychology SAC and to kick off their next important phase of exam revision.

Natalie Zuccon

Psychology Teacher

MACS held its annual Make A Difference showcase on Tuesday the 10th of September. Previously, three of our Global Green winning teams applied to enter the showcase, which is also a competition, and were invited to attend.

After weeks of preparations and enhancements to their prototypes and presentation material, the big day was finally here. Each of the groups presented their work with enthusiasm, passion and clarity and they are to be commended for their hard work in the lead up to the showcase and on the day itself.

Students were also able to enjoy activities like a virtual reality experience, a radio interview with Ralph Barba on Live FM, collaborative problem-solving and were even treated to a delicious gelato.

The students and I would like to thank MACS, particularly Shelley Waldon who is the head of STEM, as well as the showcase sponsors for facilitating an amazing day. Thank you to the Aquinas executive team members and administration who made it possible for the three groups and I to attend. We had a wonderful day out and I'm certain that the students took away invaluable experiences and understanding of STEM.

Alysia Silvagni

Global Green Coordinator

Over three Thursdays, from August 29th to September 12th, the VCE-VM students completed a vibrant mural centered on the Aquinas Spirit of Compassion. The mural, a true testament to the students' creativity and dedication, highlights moments of kindness and care within the 麻豆国产AV community.

Quotes of compassion are woven throughout the mural, celebrating the efforts of students and staff during key initiatives like the Winter Sleepout, Tinnies for Vinnies, and the Aquinas Long Walk.

This stunning mural was made possible through the funds raised at the VCE-VM Fundraiser Carnival on Thursday, August 1st. The carnival featured fun food stalls like fairy floss, snow cones, HSP, and a sausage sizzle, alongside games like chocolate toss, creating a joyful community atmosphere. The proceeds from this event were used to purchase paint and materials, allowing the students to bring their compassionate vision to life.

This mural will serve as a lasting reminder of the compassion and care that define the Aquinas Spirit.

The last week of Term 3, Year 9 Mackillop experienced an exciting culmination of learning and exploration through My VIC week. Each day offered a new opportunity to discover some of the finest places to live in Victoria. Kicking off on Monday, we explored the vibrant neighbourhoods of Carlton and Docklands, soaking in the cultural richness and modern amenities. The next day took us to the affluent areas of Toorak and the lively beachfront of St Kilda, where we observed both the lifestyle and community dynamics. On Wednesday we went on an hour-long bus trip to Marysville, a picturesque town known for its natural beauty, providing a stark contrast to the urban settings we had previously visited. On Thursday, we collaborated in groups to analyse the pros and cons of our chosen suburb, focusing on key aspects such as cost of living, available opportunities, crime rates, and educational facilities. Later that night, we created our own pitch presentations, where we showcased our findings to our parents and peers, with the most compelling pitch earning canteen vouchers as a prize. The excitement continued on Friday, where we had the chance to explore hidden gems around Melbourne's CBD, followed by a lively game of bubble soccer. Overall, the week was not only a fun-filled adventure but also an enriching experience that fostered both teamwork and independence, leaving us with lasting memories and valuable insights about our local Victoria.

MCG tour for 9 Rice My Melbourne

The Year 9 Rice students had their first prolonged exposure to the city through the 'My Melbourne' program. This was a challenging, enjoyable and at times eye opening experience for our students as they were able to observe the daily lives of the general public and the wide array of people that make up our society while they developed some essential life skills - planning, time management, navigation and decision making. Some of the many highlights across the week included sitting in on cases at the Melbourne Magistrates Court, providing insight into the myriad of situations people find themselves in, for better or worse; seeing the breadth of Melbourne from the heights of the Eureka Skydeck, and the challenges that lay ahead with population growth for our urban planners; gaining a greater insight and empathy for those experiencing homelessness with the team at The Big Issue; and exploring the bowels and hidden parts of the MCG in the lead up to a Preliminary Final at the ground. It was a fantastic way to end the term and learn a little more about themselves and the city we call home.

"Even though I was unable to attend a few of the My Melbourne days due to an extremely annoying cold (which the rest of my group wasn't too happy about - since they had to join other groups whilst I was absent), I still managed to have an exciting and sometimes challenging experience. Hopefully, my friends can say the same - despite being unable to do some activities. We sprinted through each activity, trying our best to follow the timetable created by our old selves and arguing about whether to be on time or eat food. Some highlights were; a court case involving threatening an old lady and theft, seeing a cute cat in a restaurant window, Queen Victoria market, Wcosmetics, walking around Melbourne Central, going to a park for a while and whenever we didn't get completely lost. Overall, it was an enjoyable way to end the term."

Aurelie Richmond-Trask

Year 9 Dominic Camp 

Not just a sporting event - Paris 2024 Olympics

Grit, determination, perseverance, courage. These are some of the key attributes that are possessed by elite athletes who recently participated in the Summer Olympic Games in Paris. They provided our students with insight into more than just the spirit of competition.

The Olympics allowed students to be reminded of the importance of Greece where the Ancient Games were staged in Olympia, but also pay homage to Frenchman Baron Pierre de Coubertin who introduced sport into French schools and is known as the father of the modern Olympic Games. The students also discovered that French is the international language of the Olympics. It was an opportunity for them to hear the French language in the ceremonies, awards, the naming of events and times, as well as the many national anthems from around the world.

The Olympics in Paris this year showcased much of France鈥檚 rich cultural identity. From its geographical locations and landmarks in and out of Paris, to music (French revue, the cancan, heavy metal), art (where paintings in the Louvre came alive) literature (Moli猫re), history (the French Revolution and Marie Antoinette), the invention of the hot air balloon and the capital of haute couture (Louis Vuitton and new emerging, all encompassing fashion).

During the Games we were all able to be a little competitive and proud when looking at the medal tally, and we even got to know and admire many athletes, such as French swimming sensation L茅on Marchand who won 3 gold medals in 4 days.

This coming November, we are fortunate to be taking a group of 12 enthusiastic Yr 10 and 11 students to France and the beautiful city of Paris. It will be a wonderful opportunity to make what they have seen on TV come alive, and perhaps walk the steps where thousands of athletes and supporters all came together in a spirit of liberty, equality and fraternity.

Nathalie Walshe
Languages LAL

The Spirit of Aquinas section will focus on one core value from our mission statement and ways this value has been demonstrated at school.

鈥�Compassion: We promote the service of others through education and experiences that are based on kindness and generosity informed by Catholic Social Teaching.鈥�

The year 11s core value is Compassion, and it can be seen all the time throughout their lives. When speaking to a handful of students, they pointed out many times where this was seen. Within the four students I spoke to, the biggest commonality I found was how much compassion they saw within their peers and themselves. From working through tricky assignments together, creating study groups, volunteering at the Fair Trade Fair, picking up homework for friends who were sick, listening to friends' problems and giving advice, making each other feel safe, and much more! The year 11s show so much compassion towards each other, especially in the times when they are the most stressed, as year 11 exams are approaching. I also found the students to value the compassion their teachers had shown them, mentioning how they have made efforts to help their students succeed and give advice. One example mentioned being, an RE teacher giving a week extension for students to record a presentation rather than present a rushed assignment in class. It seems the year 11 cohort鈥檚 hearts are abundantly filled with compassion, and we are so excited to see where they go and what they do with it!

Special thanks to Joseph Campbell, Tyra Wu, Evie Evans and Gaby Linton for speaking to me about their experiences with compassion over the last fortnight!

麻豆国产AV invites students to participate in a range of clubs throughout the college. These exciting, inclusive and dynamic clubs provide an opportunity for students to share an interest or even build new friendships.

More information can be found here -

Aquinas Gourmand Club

The Aquinas Gourmand (food and beverage) club has been running since 2021 and has had more than a hundred members visit at one time or another over the years. The club is open to food enthusiasts and budding chefs coming together to explore the delicious world of the culinary arts! Whether passionate about cooking, baking, or simply a food lover eager to discover new tastes, this club offers a morish platform for creativity and learning. Most weeks, at Friday recess, in the Wurundjeri Trade Training Centre (where Cafe N9ne runs) students of all ages from 7 to 12 can come and participate in Gourmand club activities. The club is student-driven, hands-on and focuses on short activities/food hacks.

Some of the activities have included:

• Bubble teas
• Pizza muffins
• Chocolate ganache
• 3 ingredient cookies (banana, oats, choc)
• Inside-out toasted cheese wraps
• Instant mango sorbet
• 30 second omelette
• Apple pie toastie
• Instant blueberry milk ice
• Chocolate Bark
• S'mores/Camp fire banana's
• Hot Chocolates
• Instant Chocolate Mouse
• Upside down Nachos
• Piping practice (cream/meringue)

We should all be proud of these committed and adventurous students. Bon app茅tit!

Owen Stott
Director, Wurundjeri Trade Training Centre

See for all the information.

Victorian School Ultimate frisbee championships were held in the last week of term 3 at Royal Park. Aquinas entered 2 teams in the seniors against school across Melbourne and Victoria

Girls Ultimate 

Ultimate Frisbee was an amazing opportunity to finish off term 3, as for many year 12s it was our last sports carnival ever which was a bit surreal! The day was filled with amazing sunny weather alongside plenty of fun and competition. It was super fun and was filled with spending time with close friends and people you may not have spoken to before. Overall we played about 5 games and finished second in our pool meaning that we qualified for finals where we played Luther, but unfortunately we lost and finished 4th overall in the state which was still an awesome achievement!

Congratulations to all the players who competed on the day- Maddison Bowden, Maddison Bromley, Emma Fabre, Aleisha Harmer, Gabby Hooper, Sally Kiss, Taylin Leonard, Amelie O鈥橞rien, Maddie Payne, Lucy Positill, Catrin Webb, Ella White, Tara Wilson

By Sophie Lorusso

Boys Ultimate  - The Inter School Ultimate Frisbee Championships, held during the final week of Term 3, was a great experience for all of us. It gave us a fantastic opportunity to step out of our usual routine and work together with some people we didn't already know as a team in a sport that we all hadn鈥檛 played seriously before. Despite having limited training leading up to the event, we managed to perform decently, showing that sometimes it's not just about perfect preparation, but also about teamwork and adaptability. Everyone got involved, whether it was making impressive catches, throwing precise passes, or supporting each other with words of encouragement. It was great to be part of something a little different from the usual school events, and even though we didn't take home the trophy, we all left the field with a sense of accomplishment. In the end we finished 7th which was very pleasing.

Congratulations to all the players who competed on the day - Max Beach, Ryan Boland, Paddy Burgess. Joe Campbell, Zac Disney, Isaac Ghosn, Sam Guerin, Ronan Meikle, Will North-Coombes, Michain Premaratne, Matthew Visperas,

By Tom Vardy

All the students involved would like to say a massive thank you to Mr Bernie Brummell, Mr Scott Buchanan, Ms Olivia Spadea & Mr Trent Considine for the help on the day.